Climate resilience and food security have become central priorities in global development, particularly in Africa, where the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt. In October 2024, the Australian Government made a significant commitment to addressing these challenges through the African-Australian partnership for climate-responsive agriculture. This partnership involves a substantial investment of $76.4 million over the next six years, aimed at supporting the African continent in its efforts to build climate-resilient food systems.
As part of this initiative, a delegation from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), accompanied by Calum Walker, Second Secretary of the Australian High Commission, and Tristan O’Brien, Officer at the Australian High Commission Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, visited the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in January 2025. The visit was an essential step in strengthening the partnership between Australia and IITA, which has long been at the forefront of agricultural research and innovation in Africa.
The Australian delegates toured IITA’s facilities to gain a deeper understanding of the institute’s ongoing research, scaling efforts, and partnerships. They observed firsthand the innovative food solutions being developed and delivered to African communities. This was not only an opportunity to learn from IITA’s extensive experience but also a chance to explore how Australia’s expertise and resources can complement the work being done on the ground.
The primary objective of the visit was to gather insights and experiences that would inform the development of a framework for delivering climate-smart and sustainable food systems, particularly in North and West Africa. The focus areas for this framework include climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable land management, and enhancing food security in regions that are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Tristan O’Brien, reflecting on the partnership’s goals, highlighted that the next phase of Australian investment would build on ACIAR’s decade-long expertise and work in East and Southern Africa. This expertise will now be extended to North and West Africa, with a particular emphasis on countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and Ghana. These nations have been identified as critical areas for intervention due to their significant agricultural potential and the pressing need for climate-resilient solutions to safeguard food production systems.
The African-Australian partnership aims to foster collaboration between Australian researchers, institutions, and African stakeholders to accelerate the development and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. By leveraging the strengths of both regions, the initiative seeks to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and poverty. The partnership also aligns with Australia’s broader regional development strategy, which prioritizes sustainable development and climate resilience in Africa.
One of the key aspects of the partnership is the focus on research and innovation. IITA’s work in areas such as crop improvement, pest and disease management, and soil health has been instrumental in improving agricultural productivity and resilience in Africa. The institute’s expertise in these areas will be crucial in informing the design of climate-smart agricultural systems that can withstand the growing challenges posed by climate change.
In addition to research, the partnership will emphasize the scaling of successful agricultural interventions. IITA has already demonstrated the effectiveness of its approaches in several African countries, where farmers have adopted improved practices that increase yields, reduce environmental impact, and enhance food security. By scaling these interventions, the partnership aims to reach even more communities, ensuring that the benefits of climate-smart agriculture are widespread and sustainable.
The collaboration between Australia and IITA is also expected to foster stronger networks of knowledge exchange and capacity building. This will include training programs for farmers, extension workers, and researchers, as well as the development of tools and resources that can be used to support the implementation of climate-smart practices at the local level. By empowering local stakeholders, the partnership aims to create lasting change that will benefit future generations.
As climate change continues to pose a significant threat to food security in Africa, the African-Australian partnership for climate-responsive agriculture represents a critical step toward building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future for the continent. Through research, innovation, and collaboration, this partnership has the potential to transform agricultural systems in North and West Africa, ensuring that they can adapt to the changing climate while continuing to provide food and livelihoods for millions of people.
With the support of the Australian Government and the expertise of IITA, the partnership is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of farmers and communities across Africa. By working together, Australia and IITA can help shape a future where climate-resilient agriculture is the foundation for food security and sustainable development across the continent.
